Clariant secures EU Commission approval for renewable rice bran wax additives in food-contact plastics
10 March 2026 – Clariant has received approval from the European Commission for its renewable rice bran wax additives used in food-contact plastics, based on the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) positive safety assessment.
The authorisation was published under EU Regulation 2026/245, which amends Annex I of Regulation 10/2011 governing plastic materials intended for food contact. The decision allows the use of Clariant’s Licocare RBW product line across the European plastics industry in applications that come into contact with food.
The EU Commission approval based on the EFSA opinion covers the Licocare RBW 100-300 series, including Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita, authorizing their use as additives at up to 0.3% in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials and articles intended for contact with non-fatty foods. The approval encompasses applications at room temperature and below, including hot-fill and heating up to 100°C for up to two hours, addressing a wide range of food packaging needs.
Diederik Goyvaerts, Segment Manager Additives at Clariant said that the approval follow several years of regulatory work and reflects the company’s effort to provide renewable materials that meet strict food safety requirements. It also pens significant opportunities for European manufacturers to transition to renewable alternatives while maintaining full compliance with food safety regulations.
The approval comes as the industry faces mounting challenges with traditional montan wax supply. Montan wax, extracted from lignite coal deposits, faces structural supply constraints as key deposits in Germany actively deplete. Manufacturers have experienced supply disruptions and steady price increases,creating urgency for reliable alternatives.
Clariant said that its rice bran wax additives offer renewable alternative and industrial compostability, while supporting end-of-life sustainability goals for packaging materials.
Clariant added that its additives deliver the processing benefits manufacturers require, including effective lubrication, mould release, nucleation effects and enhanced dispersion properties for applications ranging from beverage bottles to food containers and protective packaging.
The European approval completes a comprehensive global regulatory framework for Clariant’s Licocare RBW product line, positioning the company as a trusted partner for manufacturers seeking internationally compliant, sustainable additive solutions.
